With apologies.....

[run4jc]

Wow. Who would have imagined there would be this much information on flashlights in a forum? It's great - and I got here by doing a Google search on 'best flashlight.' So, the apologies are for the fact that, almost certainly, the answer to my question lies somewhere within the forum, but I haven't managed to find it and find myself overwhelmed with the information. Perhaps someone can give a recommendation to a complete rookie like me:

I walk my dogs at 4:30 AM each day;
Pitch dark - populated area (northern Virginia near DC) but lots of wooded area along with a huge soccer field;
Foxes are known to roam the area;
I said "Pitch dark" but there are a few scattered street lamps. Very scattered.
I use a 10 led light that runs off of 4 AA batteries and it does a pretty good job. On 'high' it'll light my way out to about 50 feet but the light diffuses beyond that. No 'spotlight' capability at all.

What I need (want) - a light that I can pocket - about the same size as this one (approximately 8 inches) but that will light up the night. Specifically, a lower setting that will light my walkway 20 feet or so....but on 'high' a spotlight that'll light up the way 200 or so feet ahead. Don't care about it being rechargeable, but it would be nice to be able to get rechargeable batteries for it. I'd like to spend under $100.
I've looked at Fenix, Surefire, Olight and others I don't remember, and I'm more confused now than ever. I'm drawn to the high lumen numbers, but like anything else I know that specs are only part of the story.
So would anyone like to provide a complete neophyte with a recommendation? Thank you!!

 

[jcs71]

:welcome:Welcome to CPF. You will find alot of info here. Heck I have been learning so much here. You will find out the people here are friendly and helpful, so don't be afraid to ask questions. Enjoy.

 

[bladerunner]

Welcome to CPF...
The first light that comes to mind is the Streamlight Propolymer LED. It is a great light. Long throw hot spopt and plenty of side spill to walk with. http://www.brightguy.com/products/Streamlight_ProPolymer_4AA_LUXEON_LED_Flashlight.php

 

[Toaster]

Eagletac P100A2 will do what you want and is well within your budget. Runs on AAs so if you don't have rechargeables already, pick up some Eneloops and a decent charger. There is a review here and here that covers this light.

 

[Zatoichi]

The Fenix TK20 runs on 2 x AA and I think has the 2 levels you want (150 lumens and 45 lumens). It's plenty tough too.

Welcome!

 

[Zeruel]

You should check out Selfbuilt's reviews on 2xAA and 1x123 lights. Most of them should fit your requirements except maybe on the price part for one or two.

Amongst these, I personally prefer Fenix L2D/LD20 for 2xAA and Nitecore EX10/Extreme and Dereelight C2H for 1xCR123. These are easy to operate and have high and low settings.

O and :welcome:

 

[glockboy]

I vote for the Nitecore D20, the beam wide for walking, used 2AA, build solid.

 

[arcel1t]

+1 on the TK20: https://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=531

It's realy the best Led light for wooded areas because of the improved
color renedition provided by the neutral white Q2 Led.

it throws far and you still have 40$ left for a nimh rechargeable setup.

 

[crizyal]

If you could spend say maybe $50 more you would be able to pick up one of the mega cannons that are coming out. Eagletac M2X (out next week) or the Fenix TK40 (out in 2 weeks). These lights should have the low you are looking for and will be really bright on high. Both lights can use rechargeable batteries.

 

[BBnet3000]

anything with 2XAA and a cree XR-E led should suit you.

the Fenix E20 is focusable if thats something you want.

i also recommend getting some eneloops and a charger. you wont waste batteries and you will save money in the long run.

 

[Flying Turtle]

Welcome to CPF, run4jc. I think a good light for you, if you prefer 2AA size would be the Fenix L2D CE. Has a good usable low that will come on first, if you wish, a high that should serve your needs and can also come on first, and great efficiency. A 1 AA Fenix, which functions similarly, might be a consideration, too.

Geoff

 

[gswitter]

Another vote for one of the Fenix 2xAA lights.

The LD20 running on Eneloop rechargeable cells sounds like an ideal fit. The L2D CE (previous model of the same light) with the same cells would be a good fit as well, especially if you can find one discounted.

 

[AardvarkSagus]

Welcome to CPF! You'll likely find that this site is incredibly addicting and you will get far more information than you need.

If I were to recommend a good light to get you started that meets your requests, I would have to say the P100A2 is a good start. It's very powerful at an extremely reasonable price. You will likely find uses for many more lights in the near future now that you have started seeing what is available.

Some places you might want to check for more information:
Layman's Flashlight Reviews (my own personal site)
Light-Reviews
The LED Museum
Selfbuilt's Flashlight Reviews

There are many more as well. Those are just a taste to get you started. Don't be afraid to keep asking questions here as well. We are usually a friendly bunch, especially to new converts!

 

[seaside]

Welcome to the CPF.
Good to see another northern virginian.

Almost all small LED flashlight will do the job for you. To think about what you have now, and as a minimalist I am, I am not going to recommend anything too powerful or too big for your need. I'd like to say 1AA sized flashlight is the way to go for easier carry in the pocket.

I went to local costco yesterday, picked leatherman flashlight and tool combo pack at $39.79. The flashlight LGX-200 is the rebranded Fenix L1T v2.0, which is well known as a nice EDC. Very simple combination of low and high mode of 16/96 lumens will serve you well while you're walking the dog or doing general household jobs. I bought this as coming mother's day gift for my mother, who does wake up early, walk the dog.

BTW, you will not find this flashlight combo at Newington costco, because I took the last one.

From there, if you want little brighter than that at about the same size, Olight T15 is what I am thinking. If you want bit more runtime like 3 hours, then go for 2AA battery powered flashlight like Olight T20, and fenix LD20. If you want versatility, like to play with flashlight, then nitecore D10 would be nice.

 

[selfbuilt]

:welcome:

I know it's overwhelming here at times. A number of good suggestions have been made above (and a number have also referred to my round-up comparison threads for more info ). In your case, I think you'd be well advised to concentrate your search on 2xAA market, as found in this review:

2xAA Round-up Review: Fenix, Nitecore, Olight, ITP, Eagletac, Jetbeam, Mag ...

Most are in your price range, and most would do the job well. I'd suggest you focus on output levels and user interface differences between the models.

I'd also suggest you run any of these on rechargeable NiMH batteries and not alkalines. Modern Sanyo Eneloops (or similar low-self-discharge batteries sold under other brand names) are highly recommend.

 

[fixitman]

My first choice would be the eagletac P10A2 with the neutral tint option. Neutral tints are really nice outdoors. Just 2 modes, "normal" and OMG! But I might be a bit prejudice about it, cause I just got one, and I am in love

I also have a Fenix L2Dce, and it is a fine light, and will cover most of your lighting needs with its 4 brightness modes and 2 strobes. Very battery efficient too.

The fenix TK20 is a good light, but the beam may be a bit narrow for your needs. The TK20 and P10A2(with neutral tint) will have similar lumen output, but the P10A2 will have a wider center spot and a bit more spill, where the TK20 is mostly throw. My P10A2 puts a nice big bright spot on the wall 60 yards from my front door. Great for getting rid of pesky vandals

I wish Fenix would offer more lights with the neutral tint option. A LD20 or L2Dce in neutral would be sooooo nice

 

[run4jc]

Wow. More great information. I'm going to go through the recommendations and pick a winner, although I like the look of the Fenix TK20. I didn't explain myself very well about the batteries - I don't really have a preference for AAs - that was just the only frame of reference I have.

I was at Target picking up a few items and a "lifegear" with CREE LED claiming 210 lumens caught my eye. $40 using 2 'C' batteries - I thought,"what the heck" - give it a try. I'll check it out in the morning on my walk.

Meanwhile, I like the idea of waiting for the new 'uber' lights that were mentioned......I'm hooked - before I know it I"ll have a collection like the rest of you. Another hobby - just what I need!

 

[Mjolnir]

You also might want to consider the eagletac T100C2 when it comes out, since it will be able to use CR123 (non rechargeable) batteries as well as 18650 lithium-ion (rechargeable) batteries.

 

[dirtech]

As a fellow newb, I can relate to the overwhelmed feeling. However, as some encouragement, the information is here (as well as battery university and just searching google) to start putting the pieces together.

Be prepared to become very enthusiastic about flashlights!

FWIW, I went with a Jet Beam Jet IIIM for a general bright light with a low for camping, hiking, ect. and a Liteflux LF3XT for something to carry in my pocket.

I have found Selfbuilt's reviews very helpful.

 

[knivesandguns]

Wow. Who would have imagined there would be this much information on flashlights in a forum? It's great - and I got here by doing a Google search on 'best flashlight.' So, the apologies are for the fact that, almost certainly, the answer to my question lies somewhere within the forum, but I haven't managed to find it and find myself overwhelmed with the information. Perhaps someone can give a recommendation to a complete rookie like me:

I walk my dogs at 4:30 AM each day;
Pitch dark - populated area (northern Virginia near DC) but lots of wooded area along with a huge soccer field;
Foxes are known to roam the area;
I said "Pitch dark" but there are a few scattered street lamps. Very scattered.
I use a 10 led light that runs off of 4 AA batteries and it does a pretty good job. On 'high' it'll light my way out to about 50 feet but the light diffuses beyond that. No 'spotlight' capability at all.

What I need (want) - a light that I can pocket - about the same size as this one (approximately 8 inches) but that will light up the night. Specifically, a lower setting that will light my walkway 20 feet or so....but on 'high' a spotlight that'll light up the way 200 or so feet ahead. Don't care about it being rechargeable, but it would be nice to be able to get rechargeable batteries for it. I'd like to spend under $100.
I've looked at Fenix, Surefire, Olight and others I don't remember, and I'm more confused now than ever. I'm drawn to the high lumen numbers, but like anything else I know that specs are only part of the story.
So would anyone like to provide a complete neophyte with a recommendation? Thank you!!

I was like you, a complete noobie. I still am a noobie, but now I have in my hands an olight M20. I looked at pretty much all reviews for flashlights around that price range, and I decided that this had the best runtime, the best throw, and best features, for the best price. Warranty included, and everybody loved theirs. Here's my thread with pictures in page 2: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=229551&page=2